During the Canadians’ first game at the FIFA World Cup, one thing became clear: they belong.
This could have been the next World Cup shock of this edition, had Thibaut Courtois not saved Alphonso Davies’ first half penalty. There are brave underdog World Cup performances, shaded with naivety and often killed off by exhaustion — and then there was Canada. A thrilling return to the World Cup after their one forgettable appearance 36 years ago, they were outstanding in all aspects save those big moments in front of goal.
A clearly nervous Davies stood up to take the kick — but his effort was saved by keeper Thibaut Courtois, who was also, by some distance, Belgium’s best player on the night. Unlike other teams in this tournament, they showed no nerves from the opening whistle. They played attacking football with movement, intensity and passion, pushed by the noise and the support of the 10,000 Canadians inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The game plan of their manager John Herdman was spot-on: no time on the ball for Kevin De Bruyne or Eden Hazard, pressing high and utilizing the width of the pitch well.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
#CanMNT trending hours before Canada-Belgium match at FIFA World Cup as excitement buildsThe eyes of an entire nation will be on the Canadian men’s national team when it takes the pitch at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Wednesday afternoon (2 p.m. ET, TSN).
Read more »
FIFA World Cup: Canada loses 1-0 to Belgium - National | Globalnews.caCanada put on a show in its return to the World Cup after a 36-year absence but failed to convert its chances in a valiant 1-0 loss to Belgium.
Read more »
Canada misses penalty and comes up just short against Belgium in FIFA World CupThe Canadian group proved just that despite a 1-0 loss to Belgium, the No. 2-ranked team in the world, in its tournament opener at Ahmad bin Ali St...
Read more »
Belgium not taking Canada lightly in opening game of FIFA World CupBelgium is leery of going up against a team like Canada at the World Cup who have nothing to lose.
Read more »
Belgium not taking Canada lightly in opening game of FIFA World CupBelgium is leery of going up against a team like Canada at the World Cup who have nothing to lose.
Read more »